Seth Meyer

and

Sean Flynn’s Unit

US Army Georgia National Guard

Company H, 121st Infantry,

(LRS) Long Range Surveillance Company

Seth and Sean are members of Post #183

Note from Ed Orr: My original thoughts were that Seth and Sean were just looking for a unit that was scheduled to be deployed. But my research shows that this is an elite Army Airborne Ranger Unit so it was no accident they ended up there.

We have decided to adopt this unit for the upcoming Christmas holiday. They will receive the benefits of our Support Our Troops Texas Holdem Fundraiser.

Please consider extra donations for this 175 member unit.

FORT GILLEM, ELLENWOOD, Ga., June 5, 20056 – “Family” was the theme of a bittersweet farewell at Neal Fitness Center for 175 men of Company H, 121st Infantry, Long Range Surveillance Company, who redeployed to Iraq in early June. It’s the second time the unit set off “across the pond” to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. The first occurred in 2003 not long after American and coalition forces took Baghdad.

When the LRS Company set foot on Iraqi soil in 2003, its mission was the gathering, interpretation and dissemination of information. It also participated in security missions at sites across Iraq.

This time, Company H will be working with the Iraqi Army as it moves toward taking over the country’s security concerns and helping the Iraqi population in its strive to become a self-governed nation.

“Things are going to be different all the way around,” said 1st Sgt. Matthew Marks, the unit’s senior NCO. “It’ll be interesting to see what’s happened to the country since our first ‘visit.’”

As is always the case, when a Soldier leaves home it wasn’t all proud smiles and “see you soon honey.” Those were there, but there also was the sadness and tears of having to let go of someone. More than one wife, mother, father and child held their Soldier close and cried at the thought of that person going in harm’s way, yet again.

“We are here to honor you, wish you well and God speed,” said Maj. Gen David B. Poythress, Georgia’s Adjutant General. “You are making history, again, and it is not often people get to make history and know they are making it at the same time.”

Calling this “a pivotal time” for the nation, Poythress declared that “this decade has seen a large part of American history being played out, and you not only get to live through it but also make an impact on how it comes about.”

“People 100 years from now will know how important this was, how important your role is in what’s happening in our country today.”

As the Soldiers of Company H leave for Iraq, the welfare of their families left behind are a big concern. Brig. Gen. Larry H. Ross, commander 78th Troop Command, said families, whether they are this unit’s or another’s are very important. “If you (the families) have a problem with anything, you need to let us know,” Ross said. “We want nothing more then to make sure life at home is undisturbed. We have plenty of resources in place to get your Soldier home, even on emergency leave if that’s necessary.

“This unit is very unique and it has a very specific mission,” Ross added. “These Soldiers are highly trained airborne rangers, and we are going to give them more specialty training on the mission they are about to embark upon.”

To get that training, Company H will go first to Fort Hood, Texas then make its way to Iraq where the unit will serve at 18 months. It is expected back in the U.S. sometime in late 2007.

Ross went on to quote several standing orders for Rogers' Rangers, a colonial Ranger unit organized by Col. Robert Rodgers in 1755.. Among those orders were:

• “Be ready to march in a minutes notice.”
• “Don’t never take a chance you don’t have to.”
• “Don’t forget nothing, the number one standing order.”

Family members of a Company H Solider look for their Ranger as the unit forms up on the gym floor of Neal Fitness Center. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

“Don’t forget this country supports you, your mission and your family,” Ross concluded. “Don’t ever forget we’re here for you, no matter what, no matter when.

Major Doug Mattox, rear commander for the 221st Military Intelligence Battalion to which the LRS Company is assigned, had three things he wanted to pass on the Soldiers and their families before they said their goodbyes.

To the families he said, “Your Soldier will know when he’s in danger, and he will know when he’s safe, but it’s going to be tough on you because you won’t know any of hat. Keep the faith. Never let it waiver for they will come home to you.

“There’s excellent leadership in place for these Soldiers and this company is one of the finest,” he said. “That leadership will take care of your Soldiers.

 To the troops Mattox said, “In the absence of men be thou the man. Do what’s right, never fail in your duties and you’ll never let your fellow Soldiers, your unit your state or your nation down.”

Major Doug Mattox, rear commander 221st Military Intelligence Battalion reminds the Soldiers of Company H, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry about their return to Iraq and the care of their families while they’re gone. (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

Captain Kenneth Hutnick, spoke to his Soldiers about selfless service.

“To the Soldiers of Company H, you are the finest warriors in the National Guard, here or across the nation.” he said. “I am proud and honored to serve as your commander.

“I do not accept that task lightly, and I will work tirelessly to ensure our mission is accomplished,” Hutnick added.

“The selfless service you are now demonstrating does not go unseen by me, your families, the chain-of- command or America,” he continued. “You are all heroes, warriors and paratroopers.”

Hutnick then thanked the families for their sacrifice. He knows, he told them that this deployment was going to be tough for them. He promised to do everything in his power to protect their Soldiers and bring them back safely home.

Hutnick, again, thanked them for their selfless service, and he reminded the families that if they have a problem or an issue to seek help early so that the huge “safety net” that is in place can help them.

And finally, to the chain-of-command, “Thank you for the support. It has been tremendous, and I thank you for the opportunity to lead Company H.”

He concluded with the solemn promise to not let them or his Soldiers down.

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Captain Kenneth Hutnick, commander of Georgia’s Long Range Surveillance Company, renders a salute during the playing of the “National Anthem.” (Georgia National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Henry)

The above information is direct from http://www.dod.state.ga.us/